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Ecuador and Galapagos.
Galapagos Adventure Cruise - Beagle

Northwest Islands Overview

Discover the amazing flora and fauna of the Galapagos’ most northwestern islands on this tour aboard the Beagle. Explore the fascinating blend of Indian and Spanish culture in Quito, South America's oldest capital city, and then from island to island, discovering plants and animals that have evolved and adapted to each location. As you travel with our expert naturalist guide, visit a boobie nesting sites and see the largest colony of frigate birds, kayak or snorkel amongst colorful ocean life, hike through cactus forests and visit a tortoise reserve.

Northwest Islands - Day 1-2: Quito

Your Galapagos adventure begins with a guided, half-day tour of the colonial city of Quito, a World Heritage Site. Visit busy plazas, ornate churches and rich museums and then take the afternoon and evening to explore on your own terms, visiting the fascinating shops, pubs and restaurants. Overnights are at the charming boutique hotel of Casa Aliso, located in the fashionable La Floresta neighborhood.

Northwest Islands Days 3 - 5: Genovesa / Santiago

A short flight brings you to the vibrant waters and lands of the Galapagos. After meeting your naturalist guide, settling in on the Beagle and enjoying a welcome lunch, it’s time to make your first stop: snorkel at Las Bachas beach where we have a chance to see the Greater Flamingo. After a delicious Ecuadorian dinner and restful night, head for Genovesa, one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos in terms of the large number of bird species. Hike to a Red-footed boobie nesting site, and explore Darwin Bay to snorkel with sea lions. Take a day to explore Santiago, where we walk among tide pools and end at the grottos, a refuge for fur sea lions. Overnights are aboard the Beagle.

Northwest Islands Days 6 - 9: Isabela / Fernandina

Land on Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine island in Galapagos where hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems and flightless cormorants and snorkel in Punta Vicenta Roca. A dry landing at Tagus Cove on the adjacent island of Isabela sees us hiking to a salt-water lagoon. Explore the Coves by Zodiac to find Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. In Elizabeth Bay visit to a secluded cove lined with large red mangrove trees sheltering turtles, rays, and shore birds. Motor to the rocky islets known as “Las Marielas,” where a colony of nesting penguins, flightless cormorants and giant marine iguanas may be found. Observe penguins and shore birds, including great blue herons, along the beautiful rocky shores of Punta Moreno. Take a horseback ride to the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, traversing a lava field and stopping at a breeding center for giant land tortoises. Overnights are on the Beagle.

Northwest Islands - Day 10-11: Quito / Departure

Disembark in the morning for a brief visit to Los Gemelos, ancient craters in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Your guide will then accompany you to the Galapagos airport for your flight to the mainland, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Casa Aliso before your departing international flight the following day.